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Easy Slow Cooker Pulled Pork for BBQ Sandwiches

A close-up of a delicious sandwich piled high with saucy slow cooker pulled pork on a soft bun.
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Make tender, flavorful pulled pork using your slow cooker. This set and forget recipe is perfect for easy weeknight dinners or meal prepping barbecue sandwiches.

Ingredients

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  • 4 lb pork shoulder (Boston butt), trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 cup water or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 1/2 cups your favorite BBQ sauce

Instructions

  1. Place the pork shoulder in the bottom of your slow cooker.
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper to create the dry rub.
  3. Rub the spice mixture evenly over all sides of the pork shoulder.
  4. Pour the water or broth and apple cider vinegar around the pork in the slow cooker.
  5. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or on high for 4 to 5 hours, until the pork is very tender and shreds easily with a fork.
  6. Remove the pork from the slow cooker and place it on a large cutting board. Shred the meat using two forks. Discard any large pieces of fat.
  7. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker. Pour the BBQ sauce over the meat and stir to coat completely.
  8. Cook on the warm setting for another 30 minutes to allow the meat to absorb the sauce.
  9. Serve hot on hamburger buns for family barbecue sandwiches.

Notes

  • For best flavor, choose a pork shoulder with good marbling.
  • This pulled pork freezes well for future freezer friendly dinners; cool completely before storing in airtight containers.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the pork before adding the sauce and let the liquid cook down on high for 30 minutes before mixing it back in.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cravybite.link/slow-cooker-pulled-pork/